From 31 March 2025, all motor insurance policies in Ireland whether for private vehicles or fleets must include the Driver Number for each named driver. This means that all fleet operators, business owners, and individual policyholders must ensure they have the correct details for their drivers when renewing or taking out insurance.
This new requirement, introduced under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, is designed to improve road safety and enhance driver accountability by linking each insurance policy to a specific driver.
Here’s what this means for fleet managers, business owners, and company drivers.
What Is a Driver Number?
A Driver Number is a unique identifier assigned to every licenced driver in Ireland. It remains the same for life, regardless of job changes, vehicle ownership, or insurance policies.
📍 Fleet drivers can find their Driver Number under section 4(d) on their driving licence.
How Does This Impact Fleet Managers and Operators?
If you manage a fleet of vehicles, this change means that insurers will now require Driver Numbers for all employees or individuals who are named drivers on your company’s insurance policy.
Key points for fleet managers and business owners:
🚚 Every driver must provide their Driver Number – You will need to collect this information from all employees who drive company vehicles.
📋 No Driver Number = No Insurance – Insurers will be legally forbidden from issuing a policy without the required Driver Numbers. This applies to both new policies and renewals.
⏳ Plan ahead – If your fleet policy is due for renewal soon, now is the time to start gathering Driver Numbers to avoid delays.
📊 Helps insurers track driving history – This change will allow insurers to better assess risk based on driver history, potentially influencing fleet insurance premiums in the future.
Why Is This Change Being Introduced?
The introduction of the Driver Number requirement is aimed at:
✅ Enhancing road safety – Ensuring every insured driver is properly licenced and accountable.
✅ Reducing fraud and uninsured driving – Making it harder for uninsured or banned drivers to evade detection.
✅ Improving enforcement for authorities – An Garda Síochána will have better access to insurance records through the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID), which tracks over 3 million vehicles and is updated daily.
Common Questions from Fleet Managers and Drivers
❓ Our company has multiple drivers per vehicle. Do we need to provide all their Driver Numbers?
✅ Yes. If a driver is named on your fleet insurance policy, their Driver Number must be submitted. Some fleet policies operate on an "any driver" basis, but if individual drivers are listed, their details must be provided.
❓ One of our drivers has an expired licence. Can they still be insured?
✅ No. If a driver’s licence has expired, they must renew it with the NDLS (National Driver Licence Service) before they can be insured. Employers should check their drivers’ licence statuses regularly to ensure compliance.
❓ Some of our drivers hold UK licences. Do they need to provide a Driver Number?
✅ The new requirement applies to Irish driving licences only. If your fleet includes drivers with UK licences, check with your insurer on what documentation is required for their coverage.
❓ What happens if we don’t provide Driver Numbers before the deadline?
🚨 From 31 March 2025, it will be an offence for insurers to issue a policy without the necessary Driver Numbers. If these details are missing, your fleet could be left uninsured, putting your business at risk of legal and financial consequences.
How to Prepare for the New Requirement
To ensure a smooth transition, fleet managers and business owners should:
✔️ Collect Driver Numbers early – Request this information from all named drivers well before your renewal date.
✔️ Keep records up to date – Ensure all licences are valid and renew expired licences promptly.
✔️ Work with your insurer – Check how your provider is handling the transition and what they require from you.
If you have further questions, contact your insurance provider or visit Understanding Insurance for more details.
